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Sentry Key Immobilizer Module Replacement/System Initialization

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the knee blocker from the instrument panel. See Knee Blocker in Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.
3. Insert the key in the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the On position.

Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install:




4. Insert a small screwdriver or pin punch through the access hole in the lower steering column shroud and depress the ignition lock cylinder retaining tumbler.
5. While holding the retaining tumbler depressed, pull the ignition lock cylinder and key out of the ignition lock housing.
6. Remove the three screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud.
7. If the vehicle is so equipped, move the tilt steering column to the fully lowered position.
8. If the vehicle is so equipped, loosen the two nuts that secure the non-tilt steering column upper mounting bracket to the dash panel steering column Support bracket studs. Lower the column far enough to remove the upper steering column shroud,

9. Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.

Smart Key Immobilizer Module Remove/Install:




10. Disengage the steering column wire harness retainer from the tab on the top of the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) mounting bracket.
11. Unplug the wire harness connector from the SKIM receptacle.
12. The SKIM mounting bracket features a clip formation that secures the SKIM to the inboard lower flange of the steering column jacket. Pull downward on the connector end of the SKIM mounting bracket to release this clip from the steering column jacket.
13. Rotate the SKIM and its mounting bracket downwards and then to the side away from the steering column to slide the SKIM antenna ring from around the ignition switch lock cylinder housing.
14. Remove the SKIM from the vehicle.
15. Reverse the removal procedures to install. Tighten the non-tilt steering column mounting nuts to 22 N.m (200 in. lbs.) and the steering column shroud mounting screws to 2 N.m (18 in. lbs.).
16. If the SKIM is replaced with a new unit, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures MUST be used to initialize the new SKIM and to program at least two Sentry Key transponders.

SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE SYSTEM INITIALIZATION PROCESS

IMPORTANT NOTE: IF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THE CORRECT VIN AND MILEAGE HAVE NOT BEEN PROGRAMMED, A DTC WILL BE SET IN THE AIRBAG MODULE. IN ADDITION, IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (SKIM), SECRET KEY DATA MUST BE UPDATED TO ENABLE STARTING.

The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) Replacement and System Initialization Process can be summarized by the following:

1. Obtain the vehicle's unique PIN number assigned to its original SKIM module from either the vehicle's invoice or from Chrysler's Customer Center.
2. With the DRB, select "Theft Alarm," "SKIM," "Miscellaneous." Select "SKIM Module Replaced" and the DRB will prompt you through the following steps.
3. Program the unique 4 digit PIN number into the SKIM's memory.
4. Program the vehicle's VIN number into the SKIM's memory.
5. Program the county code into the SKIM's memory (U.S.).
6. Transfer the vehicle's unique Secret Key data from the PCM. This process will require the SKIM module to be in secured access mode. The PIN number must be entered into the DRB before the SKIM will enter secured access mode. Once secured access mode is active, the SKIM will remain in that mode for 60 seconds.
7. Program all customer keys into the SKIM's memory. This requires that the SKIM be in secured access mode. The SKIM module will immediately exit secured access mode after each key is programmed. Note: Secured access mode is not required to query the programmed status of the key.

NOTE:
- IF A PCM IS REPLACED, THE UNIQUE SECRET KEY DATA MUST BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE SKIM MODULE TO THE PCM. THIS PROCEDURE REQUIRE THE SKIM TO BE PLACED IN SECURE ACCESS MODE USING THE FOUR DIGIT PIN CODE.

- IF THREE ATTEMPTS ARE MADE TO ENTER SECURED ACCESS MODE USING AN INCORRECT PIN, SECURED ACCESS MODE WILL BE LOCKED OUT FOR ONE HOUR. TO EXIT THIS LOCK OUT MODE, LEAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE RUN POSITION CONTINUOUSLY FOR ONE HOUR, (ENSURE ALL ACCESSORIES ARE TURNED OFF. ALSO MONITOR THE BATTERY STATE AND CONNECT A BATTERY CHARGER IF NECESSARY).

To program Sentry Keys using the "customer programming" method, which requires two valid Sentry Keys, refer to the Owner's Manual.